Tagle says no to council to replace Aquino

His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, DD, blessed with Holy Water President Benigno S. Aquino III and Presidential Sister Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz during the Thanksgiving Mass for the reopening of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral) in Cabildo corner Beaterio, Intramuros, Manila City on Wednesday night (April 9). The Manila Cathedral was originally built in 1581 but has since been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to fire, earthquakes, typhoons and bombings in World War II. (10 April 2014 / Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA — Amid reports on several bishops asking for the president to step down, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle vouched to defend Aquino.

Tagle expressed opposition to the idea of creating an advisory council that would supposedly take-over in case Aquino will be forced to resign.

“Who are these personalities who would form part of the advisory council? Who will establish that when there is also doubt on some institutions?” Tagle said in the interview aired on “TV Patrol.”

The president was stormed with calls to leave his post following the Mamasapano incident which killed 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) in January.

Instead of making the president resign, Tagle said people must work together to strenghen government institutions.

“It cannot always be changed like that. The election is near. So let the electoral process [work] and let the people determine [the next leader]. He (Aquino) is no longer seeking reelection,” Tagle said.